Passing through Paso
Adelaida, will you be our Valentine?!
In this issue we highlight the area that made us fall in love with the Paso Robles AVA, the Adelaida District.
Plus, events galore! Honestly, an absurd amount of events! Trade in the traditional Super Bowl beer for a glass of vino as you cheer on the San Francisco 49ers or the Kansas City Chiefs (or the Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce love story!!!).
Or pop open a bottle for a love story of your own this Valentine’s Day. No matter your relationship status, there is an event for you to celebrate the one true love in all of our lives…wine <3
AVA Highlight: Paso Robles
The Paso Robles AVA is on the inland side of the Santa Lucia mountains and was established in 1987. Paso is known best for its bold reds (mostly Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot) and with more than 200 wineries to choose from, it makes sense that Paso was divided into eleven smaller territories back in 2014. On the western side of Paso Robles lies one of the eleven subregions in the AVA, the Adelaida District.
Climate: Warm days and cold nights produce ripe and jammy wines that will still maintain their freshness and acidity. In fact, the diurnal shift in Paso is the greatest in all of California. The Adelaida District in particular, is the dampest area of the AVA. The warm air of Paso rises and mixes with the cool air from the coast, creating fog. Depending on the varietal, grape growers can intentionally plant above or below the fog line.
Soil: The soil of the Adelaida District is comprised of white chalky rock from ancient marine sediment and lots of limestone. As you drive along the curvy roads, you’ll likely notice many of the wineries using the same limestone to wall their property. The limestone soil retains water well in the drier summer months that can often exceed 100°F (38°C) and also allows many of the vineyards in the area to be dry farmed. It is the limestone soil that can lead to more flavor, color, and texture concentration in the wines.
Varietals: In the Adelaida District you can expect to drink lush whites like Marsanne, Roussanne, and Viognier, big reds like Cabernet Sauvignon, and fresh Syrahs and Grenaches. While this district produces masterful Bordeaux style wines, it is also often compared to the world renowned Rhône region, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, due to similar soil types. The proprietors of Tablas Creek Vineyard also own Château de Beaucastel in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. They brought over cuttings from Châteauneuf-du-Pape to plant at Tablas and other surrounding vineyards as well!
Visit: Tablas Creek has paved the way for biodynamic, regenerative, and organic farming and while you are tasting there you will hear the sound of sheep baaaaaing in the near distance. Just across the way is Halter Ranch, a space dedicated to land, art, and high quality wine. Instead of sheep, look out for the beautiful black and white spotted guinea fowl. Other notable wineries to visit in the Adelaida District include MAHA Estate, Adelaida Vineyards & Winery, Alta Colina Vineyard & Winery, and Sixmilebridge (who are being featured at the Paso Robles Wine Merchant tonight! More details in the events section below.)
Uncorked
Tablas Creek Esprit De Tablas
Keeping with the Paso theme, this week we’re picking out one of our favorite wines from the region. The Esprit De Tablas from Tablas Creek is their flagship red blend and is comprised of Mourvedre, Syrah, Grenache, and Counoise. As mentioned in our AVA highlight, the vines that produced this wine were propagated from budwood cuttings from the Château de Beaucastel estate. Pick up a bottle and let us know what you think!
Nose: leather, cherry, raspberry
Palette: cherry, pepper, baking spices, licorice
Pairs well with: apricot glazed pork tenderloin or a rich beef stew
Available at: Sunburst Wine Bar in Carpinteria, select Albertsons and Whole Foods, Goodland Wine Shop,
What’s Happening
Paso Robles Wine Merchant Wednesday: On Wednesday, February 7th from 5:00-7:00 PM you can join the winemaker and assistant winemaker of Adelaida District based winery, Sixmilebridge, for a special flight at $25 plus bottle discounts. No RSVP necessary. Paso Robles Wine Merchant is also hosting a Valentine’s Day wine and food pairing dinner that is worth checking out!
Wine and Truffle Pairing Party: Join WINECULT at Twenty-Four Blackbirds in downtown Santa Barbara for a chocolate and wine extravaganza on February, 9th from 5-8 PM! “Wine will be flowing, seasonal truffle flavors will be popping, and we'll be stocked with delicious Valentine's Day gifts to give to your love, your pal, or just for yourself.” No tickets necessary, just RSVP.
The Garagiste Wine Festival: “The 10th Southern Exposure Garagiste Festival is returning to the quaint town of Solvang in February 2024 to give you rare access to the region's best small, hard-to-find winemakers.” With various events on both February 9th and 10th, tickets start at $79.
Rainbow Mug Glazing at Bubble Shack: Tap into your artistic side with Community Clayworks as you glaze your own vibrant rainbow mug while sipping on the finest Fess Parker wine in Los Olivos. This event takes place on Saturday, February 10th from 12:00-3:00 PM for $42/person OR check out their pre-Valentine’s Day Sip-N-Spin event the night before for $90/person in Buellton. (Includes supplies to create your own piece of glazed pottery, a cheese platter, and chocolates. BYOB!)
Superbowl Party at Buddy’s Wine Bar: “Brookline Pretzels is coming in with dips and pretzels galore as we watch, jeer and cheer for the other American pastime.” Break out your jersey on February 11th from 1-5 PM in Ventura.
Spotlight on Sparkling Wines: “Join us at the Future Perfect Tasting Room in Los Olivos! In this seminar we'll discover and taste some of the finest sparkling wines from around the world that won't break the budget!” Monday, February 12 @ 6:00pm for $45.00/person “Attend with a Friend" and save $15 on two seats.
Bright Spark Galentine’s Day Dinner: “We’re teaming up with our neighbors for a celebration of friendship, good food and drink! Natalie, of Wildflower Winery, and Blake and Christian of Balcom Canyon Cider are coming by the Brewery on February 13th to join Linzy & Tim of Bright Spark Brewing in a guided tasting and food pairing experience. Featuring Dessert by Jess of Awkward Pastry!” 6:30 PM for $68/ticket
Galentine’s Wine and DIY Floral Arrangements at Wildflower Winery: “Join TWC for an evening filled with all things Galentine's on February 13th—wine by Natalie at Wildflower Winery, DIY floral bouquets (no experience needed), light bites, sweet treats by Skylar Bryce, and more.” 5:30-8:00 PM for $35/person
Galentine’s Day Event at Fox Wine Co.: Join artist Danielle Renée in the Funk Zone area of downtown Santa Barbara for an enjoyable evening of painting and wine on February 13th from 5-8 PM. Tickets are between $10-35 depending on canvas size.
Valentine’s Day Dinner at Buddy’s Wine Bar: “Seb's Woodfire is rolling out a 4 course prix-fixe menu with Skylar Bryce on desserts! Reserve your spot and join us on Valentine's Day for a delicious and cozy dinner at Buddy's.” There are 4 time slots for this dinner in Ventura and tickets are $95/person.
Valentine’s Day Flight at Deep Sea: “Spend Valentine's Day sipping wine at our Deep Sea Santa Barbara Tasting Room. We will be offering a Valentine's Special Flight of 4 wines paired with mousse for $32 (Includes 2 tastings).” Make your reservation today by emailing Gillian@ConwayFamilyWines.com
Sparkling Wine Paired Dinner: “Get your Very Limited tickets and bring your Gal/Pal/Valentine to Peasants FEAST in Solvang on February 14th at 6pm to enjoy an exclusive SPARKLING WINE Paired Dinner with these two Sensational Sparkling Wine Producers: Sunny Doench Stricker of Future Perfect and Laura Hughes of Loubud. The exquisite menu pairing will be curated by Peasants FEASTS' Chef de Cuisine Brendan Collins.” $145/person
Valentine’s Day Dinner at Satellite: Reserve a spot for you and your honey to enjoy this all vegan, wine paired dinner at Satellite in downtown Santa Barbara this Valentine’s Day. There are two seatings and tickets are $85/person.
Valentine’s Date Night at El Lugar Wines: “Valentine's Day date night includes your choice of one bottle of El Lugar wines, a beautiful cheese plate from Wren Foods, and a bouquet of fresh flowers from Noonan's Designs. This can be enjoyed in the tasting room or is available to pick-up on the go.” The tasting room is in San Luis Obispo and this package runs at $120 from February 14th-18th.
Rhone Rangers Experience: “Taste 200+ wines from Rhone Rangers members from Paso Robles, Santa Barbara County, Monterey, Napa, Petaluma Gap, Sonoma, El Dorado, Lodi, Temecula, Oregon and Texas!” This event takes place at the Paso Robles Event Center on Sunday, February 18th and tickets start at $92.
Saunters and Sips 2024: “Saunter & Sip your way through the Carousel House, Santa Barbara's stunning oceanfront venue. Our members will be pouring Rosés and delicious Sparkling wines with over 25 Sta. Rita Hills wineries showcase their current and new release wines. Lite bites from local restaurants and lively music round out our event for a lovely Spring afternoon at the beach.” This event takes place on April 13th from 2:30-5:30 PM with early bird pricing of $99/ticket ending February 18th!
Cheers!